Quarter-Finals 4: Sweden v England, 7th July, 3pm(GMT)

[Laker]

The best moment watching England in World Cups for me. I was six in 1990 and had no idea what was going on (I was babysat while my parents were at Wembley watching the Stones!) and obviously the only moment we’ve come close to winning anything was 1996 which was a Euros.

We were mega today and frankly battered Sweden, but for poor Sterling finishing we would have been two up at half time and the game would have been dead then.

Lingard’s cross for Alli’s goal and Maguire’s header were simply sublime. Just perfect football. And it’s English football - we’re not trying to be Spain or Brazil, we’re playing like England. And winning. Feels soooo good.

I’m not thinking about the semi final at all, just enjoying this win. We were magic this afternoon.

 

[SF_]

Piece of piss that one.

 

[Soup Ladle]

The best moment watching England in World Cups for me. I was six in 1990 and had no idea what was going on (I was babysat while my parents were at Wembley watching the Stones!) and obviously the only moment we’ve come close to winning anything was 1996 which was a Euros.

We were mega today and frankly battered Sweden, but for poor Sterling finishing we would have been two up at half time and the game would have been dead then.

Lingard’s cross for Alli’s goal and Maguire’s header were simply sublime. Just perfect football. And it’s English football - we’re not trying to be Spain or Brazil, we’re playing like England. And winning. Feels soooo good.

I’m not thinking about the semi final at all, just enjoying this win. We were magic this afternoon.

I was 7 in Italia 90 and remember watching us lose on pens in the semis in my bedroom (family friend worked for radio rentals so got our sets for free). Remember the Belgium and Cameroon games, my first football memories (the bad Hartlepool ones came a year or two later). Getting to a semi final is great but imagine what it must be like for the younger ones, sound old now but I guess 35 isn’t that young. Buzzing for them. Must be totally unreal for those born in the 90s or early 2000s, more so than for us 80s kids. I genuinely think we’re entering into an era where we finally start delivering on the world stage. Everything present and future is just looking up, at least on the footy side.

 

[Kopper]

I was 7 in Italia 90 and remember watching us lose on pens in the semis in my bedroom (family friend worked for radio rentals so got our sets for free). Remember the Belgium and Cameroon games, my first football memories (the bad Hartlepool ones came a year or two later). Getting to a semi final is great but imagine what it must be like for the younger ones, sound old now but I guess 35 isn’t that young. Buzzing for them. Must be totally unreal for those born in the 90s or early 2000s, more so than for us 80s kids. I genuinely think we’re entering into an era where we finally start delivering on the world stage. Everything present and future is just looking up, at least on the footy side.

The England side of 1990 was probably one of the best sides this country has produced. I consider the 2004 side to be alongside them. England played good football and tried to win games with those sides. The current side is functional. It plays well enough but doesn't seem to have that extra gear it'll need for sterner tests.
Sweden were pedestrian which played to our strengths.
What happens when we meet a team who are just as quick, comfortable on the ball and can thread a pass in the final third?

I've been a England fan too long to get excited anymore.

 

[WilsdenBantam]

What a day.

Such a comfortable win, I thought we'd win but not so comfortably. I was more nervous watching Yeovil v Bradford in the FA Cup earlier on this season.

Difficult game to come, but I've said all along I fancy us for some reason and stuck us on pre tournament at 16/1. Just something about us which I can't put my finger on, a bit like Portugal in the Euros, it's not always the most talented team which wins.

Well done to Pickford as well, he's come along way in 4 years since he made a howler against Coventry on his debut for us, a fair few of our fans wanted rid.

It's coming home!

 

[SALTIRE]

Hahahaha fuck off Salty you stupid Scottish c*** suck on it

It’s coming home

Get it right up ye, ya morris dancin' cnut!

 

[blademan89]

The England side of 1990 was probably one of the best sides this country has produced. I consider the 2004 side to be alongside them. England played good football and tried to win games with those sides. The current side is functional. It plays well enough but doesn't seem to have that extra gear it'll need for sterner tests.
Sweden were pedestrian which played to our strengths.
What happens when we meet a team who are just as quick, comfortable on the ball and can thread a pass in the final third?

I've been a England fan too long to get excited anymore.

Well there's only 1 left we can play so who cares , we can more than match Croatia and a one off game against a better side owt can happen.

 

[blademan89]

Get it right up ye, ya morris dancin' cnut!

You're beyond embarrassing you pathetic jock c***.

 

[SALTIRE]

You're beyond embarrassing you pathetic jock c***.

Wow, bothering a note about what I type instead of celebrating on the night you reach a world cup semi appearance - now that's embarrassing...

 

[AFCB_Mark]

If today is fluking it through, then sign me up to fluking football all the way home.
Was more comfortable than I could possibly have wished.

I can only think Sweden were tired because they weren't as solid as we've seen up until now. They've done better at both ends of the pitch before today, even if they missed chances they've still previously created more. As well as defending better. I hope some of that is also down to us playing well!

Croatia and that frankly world class midfield will cause us a lot of worry. But for tonight, who cares. We're in a World Cup semi final! With a squad who have so far to come yet.

It's absolutely brilliant and I cannot stop smiling. Chuffed and proud of the England team again.

 

[silkyman]

Wow. England are bookies favourites to reach the World Cup Final.

Honestly never thought I'd see the day.

Whatever happens from here, this has been a pretty damn good world cup for England. People were pithily dismissing their chances of making it past the group stages, were positive that they would lose to Columbia and then certain that Sweden would end it all. But somehow we're still alive here.

Even if Croatia win the semi final, this has been great and with such a young side, should really bode well for the future.

 

[SF_]

Its nice to play a team that aren't cheating shit bags.

 

[claret50]

Here you go Salty, the full replay for you to enjoy.

http://eplfootballmatch.com/england...replay-world-cup-2018-quarter-final-bbc-one/2

 

[Carver]

Yes we did it! We're going through! We're going through!

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Bilo, Zlatan, Borg, Dolph, Ulrika, Sven, umm.. Malin Akerman, ABBA, Ikea, your boys took one hell of a beating!

In all seriousness though, I thought we played the perfect game. What I’ve been really impressed with this time is our ability to kill games when it’s getting a bit frantic. Past teams would just boot the ball away, only to have it coming back seconds later, leading to complete panic. This team, they pass it amongst themselves calmly and defuse the situation. Our ball retention has been first class.
We attacked with purpose, created chances and when Sweden went on the attack, we swarmed on them and suffocated them to either get possession back or just kill their momentum.
We’re lethal from set pieces, no one seems to be able to deal with us. Pleased for Maguire, he’s been a stand out performer all tournament and man of the match for me today.
Sterling really should have put this game to bed before half time, but he just really lacks composure in front of goal. What I will say is that he never stops running to be fair to him and he was a good outlet for us today.
Can’t underestimate the saves Pickford made too, especially that one that was driven low, what a save that was and then Henderson throwing his body in front of the rebound just sums up this team’s mentality, really good to see.
Thought Kane looked a bit leggy/possibly injured though, hope it’s the former. Just seemed to lack sharpness on some rebounds, but he used the ball well when he had it.
The stand out 4 for the tournament for me (Stones, Maguire, Henderson, Trippier) were outstanding once again and Lingard & Young also put in good performances, showing plenty of energy getting up and down the pitch.
Croatia will be a really tough test, but one we can get through also. This team has already exceeded expectations though and no matter what happens on Wednesday, they deserve to be celebrated. They’ve put past teams to shame. Huge credit to Southgate and Holland, they’ve done a fantastic job with this team.

Sorry Bilo.

 

[LondonOrn]

They’ve put past teams to shame.

Just like Wales did to us at Euro 2016.

I notice you support a Welsh club but reside in Shropshire which is next to the Welsh border. What made you choose to support England instead of Wales? Just curious...

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Just like Wales did to us at Euro 2016.

I notice you support a Welsh club but reside in Shropshire which is next to the Welsh border. What made you choose to support England instead of Wales? Just curious...

I was born in England haha. Not a hard decision at all. I support a Welsh team because a family member used hypnosis on me at a young age.

 

[TomPNE94]

I tweeted in January 2016 that Pickford would be England number one for this World Cup. It was so obvious back then to pretty much all Preston fans that he was destined for massive things, he’s just immense. I’d still shag him

 

[Gassy]

I am a bit nervous for the semis though, my girlfriend is Croatian and We’re just off to meet more Croatians to watch the game. Could be a bit tense...

Ffs

Cant wait for this one

 

[Stevencc]

I can't fucking believe we've made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Expectations and hopes obliterated.

Commiserations to my good friend called Bilo - I wish you well.

 

[SALTIRE]

Here you go Salty, the full replay for you to enjoy.

http://eplfootballmatch.com/england...replay-world-cup-2018-quarter-final-bbc-one/2

View attachment 9045View attachment 9045

Aye its a shit flag alright, it annoyed you so much too mate you buggered off to New Zealand.

 

[claret50]

Goodness, what a strange fellow you are.

 

[Stevencc]

Aye its a shit flag alright, it annoyed you so much too mate you buggered off to New Zealand.

What do you reckon to Rab C Nesbitt's analysis of Sean Connery's patriotic credentials?

"He'd do anything for Scotland, anything at all - except bloody live in the place".

 

[Nilsson]

A few things I'm tempted to say but what's the point? Thank you Gareth for resorting some positivity to the English national football team. A silly game for sure but I love it. Final four at the World Cup in 2018, who'd have thought it?

 

[JimJams]

Well you will play two games now that you fluked your way to the semi's (that can only get you so far!).

Out of curiosity salts, how do you know we fluked it when you told us all you wouldn't be watching?

 

[SALTIRE]

What do you reckon to Rab C Nesbitt's analysis of Sean Connery's patriotic credentials?

"He'd do anything for Scotland, anything at all - except bloody live in the place".

He's done enough for us. You don't have to live here to be a great Scot. Look at Scotty in my avatar, he spent most of his days in space!

 

[SALTIRE]

Goodness, what a strange fellow you are.

I take back admonishing the flag, that was unnecessary, if you are a patriotic sort.

 

[JimJams]

 

[SALTIRE]

Out of curiosity salts, how do you know we fluked it when you told us all you wouldn't be watching?

Well you are shit and Sweden is shit; it was going to be close either way, and you managed to swim through it, just about by all accounts. I was watching the last half hour of the Liverpool game when both were playing however.

 

[Stevencc]

He's done enough for us. You don't have to live here to be a great Scot. Look at Scotty in my avatar, he spent most of his days in space!

I like the Scotty reference but I always struggle to disagree with Rab.